Community-based forest conservation and water management programs have been substantially increased in the Indian state of Meghalaya, with a large area of the state engaged in afforestation, catchment protection, and financial incentives for participation in each of these programs.

Approximately 30,000 hectares of reforested land have been accomplished throughout the state in the last eight years, supported primarily by community-driven spring rejuvenation and the protection of water resources.

One of the prominent conservation programs operated throughout the state is GREEN (Grassroots Level Response towards Ecosystem Enhancement and Nurturing) Meghalaya, which was launched in 2022. This program functions through a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model in which individuals, clans and/or communities are compensated financially for their conservation of forests. Following the successful launch of the GREEN program, the state of Meghalaya launched GREEN Meghalaya+, providing financial support to an additional 50,000 hectares of newly reforested land.

During an event in March 2023 held in Shillong, over 2,700 beneficiaries received financial assistance through the GREEN Meghalaya+ program, totalling more than ₹25 crore. In Tura, approximately ₹1.16 crore was distributed to 60 beneficiaries.

The 30-year commitment from participants in the programme requires protecting natural forests in perpetuity. In the village of Daronggre in the Garo Hills, clan forests and biological diversity are being maintained by their respective communities. The Pyrtuh clan has preserved approximately 15 acres of forest in Mustem in the Jaintia Hills.

The state has established several water security-related projects. In the Umiew River basin in East Khasi Hills and the Ganol River basin in West Garo Hills, the MegARISE initiative is protecting the catchment areas through forest conservation measures.

According to state authorities, over the past five years, more than 60,000 springs have been identified, over 700 rainwater capture facilities have been built, and 747 critically important water supplies have been recognised and protected.

There are currently over 530 community-based rainwater capture projects underway throughout the state, which include livelihood-generating activities and have been implemented in collaboration with the local population.

The MegLIFE programme is another important government initiative aimed at rehabilitating 22,500 hectares of degraded forest land in 30 blocks across 12 districts.